How to Plan a Destination Wedding on A Small Budget: 9 Dazzling Ways

When you think of a destination wedding, your mind probably jumps to exotic locales and high cost. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A destination wedding can be as simple and affordable as an indoor ceremony with friends and family in attendance — or something more formal with a few more guests and an extended trip. Just plan and budget wisely from the start. If you’re getting married in another city, town, or even another country, do some research before booking anything.

TAKE AWAY

• Create a realistic budget and stick to it
• Book everything early enough
• Choose drinks and food for the reception
• Select color Palette
• Plan ceremony locations or locations appropriately
• Book professional photographer and videographer early enough
• Ensure you have the right venue for the reception
• Plan your wedding day beauty based on the type of wedding, whether formal or traditional

Have answers to the following questions. What kind of services does this location offer? How much will hotels, restaurants, unique venues, or other services cost? Once you know your options for everything from lodging to catering, you can begin creating a realistic budget and plan each detail accordingly. Here are some tips guiding you on How to Plan a Destination Wedding on A Small Budget.

Create a realistic budget and stick to it

The first thing you have to do is create a realistic budget — and then stick to it. Are you planning a destination wedding? Put in more legwork upfront since you won’t have as many local options as your friends who plan to get married in their hometown. This is especially true if you’re traveling to another country where costs are higher.

Budgeting represents a major step on How to Plan a Destination Wedding on A Small Budget. All in all, the average cost of a destination wedding is $32,405. While the average cost of an in-town wedding is $18,849.

Why the difference?

 It has to do with the number and type of vendors you use and the services they offer.

Once you know what you want, start researching the average cost of each vendor in your area. This will help you determine how much you should budget for each item and service.

Book everything as early as you can

Book all the vendors you want to use as early as possible if you can. When planning a wedding, you usually want to book vendors at least 6 to 12 months in advance. This gives you time to plan your budget and save up for what you want and need.

 Plus, it will allow you time to find someone if your first choice is booked. You should also try to book your flight and hotel at the same time. If you book everything together, you’ll have a better chance of getting a lower price.

You may be tempted to wait until the last minute to book your reception venue, photographer, and caterer. Resist that urge. Not only does it leave you less time to find the best value for your money, but it also leads to disappointment.

If you’ve already planned your destination wedding, you’ve likely already booked the date and a few guests. As early as possible, booking services will help you find the best vendors at the best rates. If you’re waiting until the last minute to book everything? You may find that you’re paying more than you hoped. Or you may not even be able to book the services you want at all. Proper bookings reflect a precise way How to Plan a Destination Wedding on A Small Budget

Choose the food and drink for your reception

One of the biggest expenses you will face when planning a destination wedding is the food and drink for your reception. To keep costs down, select food that can be eaten with your fingers and doesn’t require utensils. Or is already in bite-sized portions. Finger foods and appetizers are easier to eat while standing.

This is important to keep in mind if you’re having a cocktail-style reception. You can also keep costs down by choosing a beverage other than alcohol. Like a signature punch or a non-alcoholic signature cocktail. Or, you can ask guests to BYOB (bring their own beverage).

They have a bartender on hand to make virgin cocktails for those who don’t drink. If you decide to serve alcohol, remember that most wedding venues require you to purchase a liquor license. This can cost anywhere from $75 to $1,000+.

Catering Services are the most Costly

The caterer is one of the most expensive services at your reception, so you’ll definitely want to plan carefully. Some caterers can supply drinks, while others leave that up to the venue. If you are planning to supply your own alcohol, check with the venue to see if they allow this.

Most venues have liquor license limitations, so you may need to purchase your alcohol from a vendor. Both the food and drink for your reception will affect your overall budget. So, think about how you want your guests to feel.

Consider a buffet with appetizers and cocktails if you want to keep the mood relaxed. A cocktail-style reception with passed hors d’oeuvres will look beautiful and feel more elegant. You may also want to consider having a drink-only bar, as an open bar can get expensive pretty fast.

How to Plan a Destination Wedding on A Small Budget – Select a color palette

When it comes to selecting a colour palette, keep in mind most color swatches cost anywhere from $10 to $200. If you want to use specific colors, find out how much it’ll cost and then factor that into your budget.

Also, think outside the box and incorporate colours more creatively. Such as using flowers, table settings, or other décor items to bring colour to your wedding. This will also help save you money and make your color palette affordable.

Colour can really add to the mood at your destination wedding. Consider using the colours of your bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, or groomsmen’s ties to match your colour palette. You can even take inspiration from your venue’s décor, if it has a distinct color palette. You may even incorporate your destination’s colours into your palette. For example, if you’re getting married in Hawaii, you can draw inspiration from ocean blue and tropical green.

Plan your ceremony location(s)

If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, you’ll need to plan for any potential inclement weather. Before booking a specific outdoor location, make sure you check the weather forecast for the day of your ceremony.

 You may want to consider booking indoors if you’re getting married during hurricane or tornado season. If you’re having an indoor or outdoor ceremony, look for venues that allow you to bring in your own decorations. This will help you save money and keep costs down.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you may want to consider including a civil or symbolic ceremony. This can help keep costs down by only including the guests you want to see the ceremony itself.

You can also create meaningful experiences for just those guests by incorporating traditions from your partner’s culture or your own. You may want to include a space for guests to sit or stand for an outdoor wedding. If you’re getting married on the sand, you’ll want to ensure it’s cleaned so no one gets itchy or uncomfortable.

If you have an indoor wedding, you’ll need to find a venue with indoor ceremony space. Look for venues with flexible event spaces so you can use the same venue for the ceremony and reception.

Book a professional photographer and videographer

Remember, your photographer and videographer are important members of your wedding team. They will help capture all the special moments on your big day. You can probably save money by hiring an amateur or an inexperienced photographer or videographer.

But the images and footage they produce might be lacking in quality.

Photographer Payment

For your photographer, expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $15,000.

Videographer budget

For your videographer, prices will range from $1,500 to $10,000.

Remember that these are average prices for photographers and videographers in your area. Your wedding budget might be able to afford one of these professionals. But if not, you can still hire a photographer and videographer.

The photographer and videographer are crucial to your wedding day, especially if you have a large guest list. You don’t want to miss out on candid photos with your loved ones. And you definitely don’t want to miss your own wedding.

How to find the best Photographer and Videographer

• Search Online
• Use your wedding planner to source the best vendor within your destination
• Choose one near your home, as it is easier to negotiate a discount

Find the right venue(s) for your reception

For sure, it’s important to find a venue for your reception with the space you need. It’s just as important to find one that fits within your budget. To do this:-

• Research average prices for different types of venues in your area. Like hotels, country clubs, or banquet halls. The average prices can vary greatly depending on the season (peak times are usually more expensive). Also, the day of the week (weekends are usually more expensive than weekdays).
• Always stay within your budget.
• Once you know your budget, don’t get too caught up in the aesthetics of each venue.
• Instead, focus on what you truly want and need and find a venue that meets those standards.

Plan your wedding day beauty look

How you style your hair and makeup will depend on the type of wedding you’re having. If you’re having a more formal or traditional wedding, have your hair and makeup was done by a professional. But if you’re having a more casual destination wedding, do your hair and makeup yourself. Or have a friend do it for you. This will save you a ton of money!

Remember that you don’t have to spend much money on your beautiful look. Plenty of makeup and hair hacks will help you reduce costs without sacrificing style. This is a convenient way How to Plan a Destination Wedding on A Small Budget!

The way you look on your wedding day is important, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can find deals on hair and makeup at salons near your hotel. You can also use the internet to see if there are any beauty or spa schools in the area. Those offering reduced rates for students. Do you want to splurge on a special beauty treatment for your wedding day? You can research spas in your destination and see if they offer any deals for couples. You can also ask your wedding guests if they know of any discounted beauty services.

FAQs

Conclusion

It’s not always easy to plan a destination wedding, but it can be done. As long as you plan a realistic budget, you should be able to make the dream out-of-country wedding come true. With these tips, you can ensure your destination wedding is everything you want it to be — without overspending. No matter how far away you decide to get married, there are ways to keep costs down. You and your partner can make the most of your special day no matter where you say “I do.” Well, now you know How to Plan a Destination Wedding on A Small Budget! The takeaways explain How to Plan a Destination Wedding on A Small Budget